McLeish keen to help N'Zogbia

Monday 5 December 2011 09:00 BST

Charles N'Zogbia

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish wants to help winger Charles N'Zogbia rediscover the form that made him the club's major summer signing.

N'Zogbia was fined and left out of the squad for Saturday's 1-0 home reverse against Manchester United after failing to turn up at Villa for medical treatment. He has struggled to make an impact since his £9.5million summer switch from Wigan and been left out of the starting line-up in recent weeks.

"I've tried to encourage Charles at every turn. I'm not a tyrant. It is not me against Charles or any of my players," said McLeish.

"I try to give them total respect and we show them things privately. We don't disrespect them in front of the rest of the group.

"I hope he takes it [the punishment] on the chin. The players know we have got club rules and we will adhere to them.

"There are no grudges. I just want to see that boy go to another level, even improve on what he has done before.

"Charles has got to be receptive and realise I want to help him, and every single player at this club, because we need all the help we can get."

McLeish admits he may have to look to strengthen his squad after goalkeeper Shay Given (hamstring) and midfielder Jermaine Jenas (Achilles) joined the injury list.

When asked if he needs reinforcements, McLeish said: "Yes, that will be a fact. As I said before, we've still got to try and trade carefully.

"But if we need emergencies [new players], we have to seriously consider that as a club."